Can sealer



C. E. IVES CAN SEALER Nov. 28, 1939.

4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 1, 1935 Jnuen for.

C word Elias 4 c. E. IVES CAN SEALER Nov. 28, 1939.

Filed June 1, 1955 4 Shoots-Sheet 2 TRAVEL OF CAM FOLLOWER Ina/e72 Z07"; gfforcZE-Jfles 777 t,

123456 89W B WWWW9 FINISH Nov. 28, 1939. c. E. IVES 2.181237 CAN SEALER Filed June 1, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 926. 7Illllllllllllllllllllll Jig .26?

6 F929. 66 a ma iim Patented Nov. 28, 1939 UNITED .srArEs PATENT OFFICE I clillordif l v u izlfjcttelll.

' This invention relates, broadly speaking, to, sealingand opening devices and is particularly with an apparatus for fl nsing. sealing d/or opening and, ifdesired, for reflang- -'5 ingandcans,e.g.,suchasareused for preserving food products and the like. The device is portable; of compact size; can be easilyoperated; anditsprincipalusewillbeasan utility apparatus at all such places where perishl able products are to be handled and preserved in an economical and efllcient manner and with relatively simple means, for example in households, restaurants and the like. It is understood, of course, that the device forming the subject 15 matter of my invention is not limited to any particular type of can.

The device comprises, generally stated, a standard provided with means for attachment to a suitable support, for example, a table or the go like; a rotatable vertically adjustable turn-table at the lower part of the standard for. rotatably supporting a can, for sealing and/or opening; and a vertically movable operating head carryingseamingorsealingaswellascutting 25 members and also the mechanism for rotating a can when placed on the tum-table, including a suitable driving means or a chuck, and the mechanism for actuating the sealing, or cutting members, as the case may be. The driving I so power in the specific embodiment which I will presently describe in detail is furnished by a manually operable crank attached'to the vertically movable head and adapted to actuate novel internal gear 'and transmission means for con- 35 trolling the rotation of the can on the tum-table and also the actuation of the seaming and/or cutting means according to the operation desired, in a manner so as to obtain the most suitable ratio of power as well as speed. Certain parts 40 may be interchanged at will and in a simple manner in order to adapt the device for use with different types and/or sizes of cans.

The principal aim of the invention resides in providing an improved device of this character 45 exhibiting numerous novel features which are combined structurally and I functionally in such a manner as to furnish considerable advantages to the producer and also to the ultimate The simplicity of novel structural details which I0 I have incorporated renders a device which is easily manufactured, assembled and maintained, and the device can therefore be furnished at a reasonable cost; the ease and simplicity of handling my device enhances its practical aspects ll and extends its utility.

It will be seen presently that some of the new structural and/or functional improvements may be advantageously applied in a variety of different fields and'for widely differing purposes. It is to be understood, therefore, that the description of my invention and of its features which is yet to follow has been directed to 'a specific embodiment merely for the purpose of teaching others how the invention may be used and not for the purpose of indicating any particular limil0 tations.

Some of the more important objects and features which do not obviously follow from the above remarks are briefly outlined below.

One object is realized by the use of a new transmission and gear means whereby a suitable ratio is obtained between the speed of rotation of the can on the tum-table and the movement of several operating parts, for example the seaming and/or cutting members. It will be apparent that such governed ratio and interrelation of the moving parts of the device is required by the need for a gradual and progressive application of the force needed for accomplishing the seaming of the can cover with the corresponding flanged open end of a can so as to form a tight seal. It may be remarked at this point that the movement or advance of' the seaming means relative to the can takes place in gradually increasing steps or stages in a dellnitely governed manner.

Another object resides in the provision of means including an operating lever for moving the head of the device vertically. on the standard. The general operation of the device is thereby considerably simplified and improved. 1

A further object is realized by the provision of visual indicator means which denotes diiferent important operating positions or stages of the device and particularly of the seaming mecha- 40 nism so as to guide the operator.

Still another object has to do with means for radially adjusting or positioning the seaming and/or sealing and/or cutting members proper in order to adapt the device for diflferent sizes of 40 cans to be sealed and/or opened, respectively.

Another object refers to the provision of a vertically adjustable operating member which in one position functions as a cutter for opening cans and in another vertical position as a seaming roller for sealing cans.

-A further object resida in the provision ofan easily operated gauge for preliminarily checking the positionof the actuating parts, i. the

Still another object has to do with the prevision of removable and exchangeable chuck means for attachment to the operating head so as to grip the corresponding can placed on the turntable and rotate it therewith while the seaiinB and/or cutting operations are carried out automatically responsive to the turning of the crank or other suitable driving means.

Other objects and features refer to the provision of novel hanging and reila'nging members and to the provision of spacer means for determining the vertical position of the tum-table on the standard relative to the operating head in a normal position, and also to numerous additional novel structural and functional features which will appear as the description progresses.

The detailed explanations will be rendered with reference to the accompanying drawings showing one embodiment of a manually operable mechanism made in accordance with my invention. In these drawings,

Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of-the device in a position ready for operation;

Fig. 2 represents a front view of the device;

Fig. 3 illustrates a view of the operating head (on line 3-3 in Fig. 2) as seen from the bottom side with the chuck partly broken away so as to show certain details; I

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view of the operating head along the line l-l of Fig. 9, looking in the direction of the, arrows;

Fig. 5 shows the gauge for adjusting and/or checking the position of the seaming members relative to the can before starting the operation;

Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of a detail of the operating head taken along lines H-of Fig. 4;

Fig. '7 is a top view of the device and shows particularly the operating head with the control lever and the crank in place;

Fig. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of the operating head along line 8-4 indicated in Figs. 9 and 10 and shows particularly the new gear or transmission means whereby a determined power and speed ratio is obtained between the driving and. driven parts and also shows the mechanism for governing the motion of the seaming and sealing or cutting members.

Fig. 9 represents a front view of the device somewhat like Fig. 2 but with the operating head in vertical section and a hanging or reflanging member positioned on the turn-table;

Fig. 10 indicates another side 'view of the device as seen from the side opposite the one shown in Fig. 1 with the lower or mounting part of the standard in vertical section so as to illustrate the turn-table mechanism and particularly the manner in which the tum-table is placed on the device; v

Fig. 11 is a vertical section of part of the top portion of the standard taken along line ll-ll in Fig. '7 and shows particularly the manner in which the operating lever is attached for operation; V

Fig. 12 represents several spacing means or washers to be used for adJusting and determining the vertical position of the turn-table on the standard;

Fig. 13 shows an enlarged partial side view of a portion of a flanging or reflanging member as seen along 1inel3 -ll of F18.

Fig. 14 is a section of a support or stud holding a certain seaming and cutting member, taken along line ll-ll in'Fig. 9 and illustrating particularly the means for adjusting the vertical position thereof;

Fig. 15 represents a top view of a flanging or reflanging member;

Fig. 16 is a section through the member shown in Fig. 15 and is taken along the line lS-JB in Fig. 15.

Fig. 1'7 illustrates diagrammatically the position of a can for fianging (or reflanging), the can being indicated in partial vertical section in inverted position with its bottom engaged by the chuck and its open end engaging the reflanging member;

Figs. 18 to 23 indicate diagrammatically the progressive seaming or sealing stages or steps,

showing particularly the positions of the chuck holding the can (cover) relative to the corresponding seaming roller and the progressive action of these members relative to the can cover and the can, respectively;

Fig. 24 illustrates the cutting operation, that is, the manner in which a can is opened;

Fig. 25is a timing or cam diagram explaining the successively effective operations of the device;

Figs. 26 to 28 show partial views of a chuck knurled at its edge;

Figs. 29 to 31 illustrate a similar chuck which is, however, knurled at the bottom;

Fig. 32 is a sectional view taken along line 32-32 through part of the flanging member shown in Fig. 16; and

Figs. 33 and 34 show modifications in the flanger.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like parts are designated alike. However, before presenting the detailed explanations required for describing the numerous individual structural parts of my device, I will furnish a somewhat general account of its functions and of the means for realizing them.

The principal function and purpose of my new device is to seal a can or to open it if desired. The device is also adapted to prepare a can for resealing, i. e., to reflange the can, and is also designed to carry out the resealing thereof.

Assuming now that a can is ready for sealing, i. e., that the material of the can at the open end thereof is flanged and that the proper cover is available, there are a number of distinct steps for carrying out the sealing operation. These steps are, generally and briefly stated, as follows: The cover is put on the flanged open end of the can and aligned therewith. The peripheral portion of the cover will in this position overlie the corresponding flanged portion of the can and extend therewith laterally beyond the wall of the can. A suitable gasket may be interposed between the cover and the flanged end of the can. These parts (flange of the can-peripheral portion of the cover-with or without a gasket interposed therebetween) are then rolled and curled upon each other resulting in a peripheral seam at the corresponding end of the can, and the seam is subsequently ironed out and flattened to form a tight seal.

In order to indicate the manner in which I accomplish the above noted operation, it is advisable to note briefly certain structural elements with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. As shown in these figures, the'device comprises a standard H which is adapted to be attached to a suitable support,

for example, a table by means of the clamping provisions at the lower end thereof. A tum-table II is provided which can freely spin within its journal on the standard. The can is placed on this turn-table. At the upper end of the standard is provided the operating head comprising the housing IS in which are disposed certain gear and control means which are operated responsive to the actuation of the crank 8|. A chuck or driving member I0 is carried by the operating head for engaging the can placed on the tum-table and for rotating it properly. It may be remarked at this point that the ratio of the gear controlling the rotation of the chuck I0 (and therefore of the can) is 1 to 2, i. e., the can will rotate once for every two turns of the crank H. A manually operable lever III is secured to the head and engages suitable means provided in the standard in such amanner as to raise or to lower the entire operating head and all of its associated parts relative to the standard and to lock in its extreme positions. The movement of the operating head on the standard (relative to the can placed on the tum-table) is thus definitely controlled. A member I25 is secured to the head housing I! in such a manner that it can execute an oscillatory or rocking movement, in a horizontal plane, relative to the head housing (and therefore relative to the can on the turn-table). This oscillatory movement is governed by special gear means within the housing 89 adapted to drive a special internal cam which is rotated by the internal drive gear at a ratio of 1 to 10. The member I2! is provided with follower means engaging the cam within the housing 89 and the rotary motion of the cam is thus translated into the horizontal oscillatory or rocking motion of the member I25 around the axis of the standard II. The curve of the, cam determines the extent of the lateral motion of member I25 in either direction and also times the motion definitely in relation to the rotation of the crank and the rotation of the can. In other 'words, any position of the crank (or of the can) will be related to a corresponding definite angular position of the member I25. I will designate this member I25 as the "follower" because it follows the curve of the internally disposed cam whenever the cam is rotated in response to the actuation of the crank. The control member located within the head housing and carrying the cam for moving the follower in an oscillatory movement is provided with predetermined designations, e. g., numerals, and the housing is provided with an opening or indicating window (Fig. 8, numeral 200) throughwhich these numerals will progressively appear. They designate the important operating positions of the device and more particularly they indicate the angular position of the follower relative to the can placed between the turntable' and the previously mentioned chuck on the operating head.

Two seaming rollers I55 and I56, respectively, are rotatably mounted on the follower by means of studs or pins and the latter are adjustably secured to the follower. It will be clear, therefore, that these seaming rollers will be carried laterally toward and away from the can responsive to the controlled oscillatory motion of the follower on which they are mounted. Each seaming roller has a different profile. Referring, for example, to the roller I55 (Fig. 2), it will be seen that this roller has a relatively deep and relatively rounded annular groove. The other roller I56 also is provided with an annular groove,

but it is relatively shallow and relatively flat. It should be observed that the seaming rollers are positioned so that the annular seaming grooves are substantially in line with the chuck ll.

When it is now assumed that a can (properly flanged at its ,open end and provided with the proper cover) is placed on the turn-table and the operating head is brought down by means of the lever Ill and pressed into its lowermost locked position, it will be clear that the chuck II will enter the recessed portion of the can cover and hold the can in place and properly centered on the tum-table. This operation should be carried out with the device in zero or neutral position, that is, when the seaming rollers Iii-I56 are substantially equidistant from the chuck and therefore from the point where the material of the 'fianged end of the can and the peripheral portion of the cover are located ready to be rolled and curled upon each other. This zero position is visible in the previously mentioned indicating window.

The crank is now turned in clockwise direction. The can will rotate at a ratio of 1 to 2. The internally located cam will rotate at a ratio of 1 to 10 with the cam and follower means which I will presently describe in detail will be carried along the curve of the cam and will move the follower I25 sideways. The seaming roller I55 will be first advanced toward the chuck, in a controlled step by step motion and the eflect of each step will persist for substantially one full turn of the can. Responsive to the first step of the roller toward the chuck the material of the can and of the cover will be bent over slightly due to the pressure exerted thereon by the annular seaming groove on the roller I55. Each successive step of the roller will cause a progressive curling and rolling under of the seam, and since each step is maintained in the position of advance for about one full turn of the can, each partial rolling of the seam will be completed by the application of even and controlled pressure of the seaming roller. The oppositely located seaming roller I58 will move progressively away from the scam in a controlled step by step manner which is due to the action of the internal cam controlling the motion of the follower. The seaming roller I55 will complete its function after about 5% turns of the can (about 11 turns of the crank). The material of the can and of the cover forming the seam is then rolled and curled under but must he flattened and ironed out by the second seaming roller I58 to form a tight seal.

The switching over from the first to the second seaming roller takes place between the eleventh and thirteenth turn of the crank. Its effect is that the follower I25 oscillates laterally in the opposite direction, removing the first seaming roller I55 from the seam and advancing the second roller I56 toward it. The rotation of the crank is continued and, accordingly, the roller I56 will be progressively advanced in steps determined by the curve of the internal cam and each step will be maintained for predetermined periods as related to the rotation of the cam. The seam which was previously provided by the action of the first The lever Ill will now be raised again, releasing the operating head from its lowermost locked position and lifting it on the standard to its upper position. The pressure is thus removed from the completely sealed can and it can be withdrawn from the device.

My device is also adapted to be used for opening cans and for reflanging and rescaling the same. However, even a most general presentation of these features would require specific reference to at least some of the structural details and features by which those operations are accomplished and I therefore omit a general description of these additional functions of my invention in order to avoid the necessity for subsequent repetition These features and functions will presently appear from the detailed explanations rendered below, and it is believed that these explanations will be readily understood on the ground provided by my general explanations of the sealing operations.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 1, 2, 9 and 10, the standard which is generally indicated by the numeral l I is in this particular instance a die cast structure, comprising the upright portion II which may be in the form of a flat central rib with transverse flanges l3 and I4 and transverse reinforcing ribs which zigzag between the flanges on each side of the central rib H as shown. These reinforcing ribs are designated in the drawings by the numerals l5, l6 and I1, and IS, IS and II, respectively. They maybe seen particularly in the Figs. 1 and 10. The lower portion of the standard which is integral with the upright I2 is shaped in the form of a clamp forfastening the device on a suitable support, for example, on a table top 23 as is indicated in Figs. 9 and 10. This clamp portion comprises the downwardly extending flanged part II terminating in a transversely disposed internally threaded part 26., A screw such as Is, at one end carrying the clamp washer II and at the other end carrying a handle pin I], is provided for the attachment of the device to the support as previously intimated.

Part of the clamp portion I8 protrudes on either side of the central rib, as shown at 25, forming a cylindrical offset tubular receptacle, as is particularly indicated in Fig. 10, adapted for the reception of the shaft 82 which forms part of the turn-table ii. The upper portion of the cylindrical opening is offset and enlarged so as to adapt the same for the reception of a spring means 34 which is provided for cushioning or resiliently supporting the turn-table 3|. The central shaft 32 of the turn-table 3| may be reduced at one end and the reduced portion may be inserted into a suitable opening of a disc or plate such as 3| (forming with the shaft 32 the turntable) and may then be riveted over as shown at 35 in Fig. 10, thus joining the disc 3| with the shaft 32. A hardened thrust washer such as 35 may be inserted between the turn-table and the shoulder on shaft 32 to reduce wearing at the point of rotation. The turn-table thus forms a structurally and functionally integral unit composed of the disc or plate-like member 3| and the shaft 32 which extends into the cylindrical opening in the portion 25 of the standard. The turntable will be supported rotatably and resiliently on the spring 3 which is placed within the enlarged upper end of the opening within the standard as shown. The tension of the spring should be preferably chosen so as to provide in operation (with a can on the turn-table and with the head in lowermost position exerting pressure thereon) for the application of a predetermined pressure within certain limits, compensating for manufacturing variations in the cans. This is of course only one of the reasons for the use of the spring bearing shown. The mounting is generally preferable to mountings of other types and offers several advantages.

Between the turn-table mounting 25 and the vertically extending standard portion I2 is disposed a hollowed circular section 24 having an opening which is enlarged at the upper end, as shown particularly in Figs. 1 and 10. This opening'may be used for attaching the device to a suitable support by means of a screw. It is also used in the process of assembling the clamp portion of the device, and particularly in the-operation of riveting the clamp washer 2| onto the screw 19. The riveting tool is for this latter purpose inserted through the opening in the section 24 of the standard and operated against the end of screw I! so ,as to produce a'flange for holding the clamp washer II in place.

Adjusting means is provided in the form of spacers such as are indicated in Fig. 12 for placing the turn-table properly with respect to'the operating head so as to take care of cans of different length and of rescaling cans that have been previously opened. Each spacer is made in the form of a washer such as shown at "-42 and 44-45, or in the form' of a bushing such as indicated at 43. The thickness of the washcrs and the length of the bushing, respectively, difl'er. Each washer or bushing, respectively, is adapted to be inserted between the top of the spring 34 and the thrust washer on the bottom of the turn-table plate, with the shaft 32 projecting through it. It is thus possibleto position the turn-table deflnitely and accurately by such distances as are determined by the respective washers and/or bushings used singly or in combination'so as to provide the proper space for the length of the can which is to be sealed and/or opened or rescaled. A set of such spacer means may be furnished with the device. It is understood that a different means for adjusting the vertical position of the turn-table may be provided if desired.

Certain of the spacer means may serve for specific purposes, such as rescaling for the first or second time because, as will appear presently, the opening operation shortens a can a certain amount and this amount must be compensated for when it is desired to reseal the can. The use of these spacers may be simplified by numbering or suitably denoting each spacer according to the designations used for customary can sizes and/or types or according to the function which is to be performed, for example, the rescaling operation. In normal position, such as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 9 and 10 with no spacer inserted between the turntable and its mounting, the apparatus is adapted to be used in conjunction with the largest size of can that may be sealed and/ or opened.

The driving power for rotating a can placed on the turn-table is furnished by the operating head. At this point I merely wish to call attention to the chuck means I0 shown in Figs. 1, 2, 9 and 10 and adapted to transmit the rotary movement to a can placed on the turn-table. The chuck consists of a disc-like member I! having a raised central portion II and a knurled edge such as is particularly indicated in Figs. 1, 2 and 10. The chuck plate is provided with a shaft 12 having an offset portion forming a shoulder, as shown in Fig. 9. This of!- set shouldered portion may be inserted into a corresponding opening in the chuck plate and '15 riveted over, as indicated at 18, so as to form an integral unit with the chuck plate 10. In the embodiment shown the shaft is provided with a thread 14 so as to secure the chuck within the internally threaded shaft 15 of the operating head. Attention is called to the fact -that I also supply with the device a limited number of chucks, each having a plate of different diameter so as to provide for the different can sizes that may be handled. A single adjustable chuck may be used if desired. I have also provided chuck structures that may be used alternatively, each having its particular virtues.

Referring, for example, to Figs. 26, 2'1 and 28, these figures show a partial side view, a partial plan view, and a partial cross section of a chuck pla or disc 6 the edge 81 of which is knurled gsfiown. In Figs. 29 to 31, inclusive, showing ar views of a chuck disc or plate, is particularly illustrated the structure of a chuck plate 08 which is knurled peripherally at the bottom as indicated at 69.

It will be apparent that the particular type of chuck plate used will merely determine the place on the can where the gripping power is to be concentrated for rotating the can on the tumtable. According to whether it is desired to flange or reflange or to seal a can, the chuck will engage the bottom of the can or the top (lid or cover). The cover ofbottom structure is formed somewhat like a shallow dish and the chuck will engage this dished portion with its periphery following approximatelythe lines of the outer limits thereof. In order to facilitate the removal of a can from the apparatus after the corresponding operation is completed, the edge ofthe chuck is preferably formed as is indicated in the drawings. It will be seen that the diameter at the upper side of the chuck plate is shown larger than the diameter at the lower side, thus furnishing an edge which inclines toward the center. Since the chuck will enter the dished portion of either the bottom or the cover of a can, according to the particular operation, it will be understood that the removal of the can from the chuck is facilitated by the provision of such an inclined edge as I have provided.

Another detail which I desire to describe before entering into an explanation of the operating parts carried on or cooperating with the operating head, is shown particularly in Figs. 13, 15, 16 and 32. These figures illustrate a flanglng or reflanging device, the function of which will be understood when it is considered that the operation of sealing or resealing a can, that is, of joining the lid or cover with the end of the open shell, necessitates the preliminary operation of forcing the material of the can shell at the end thereof outwardly so as to receive the cover or lid for the joining or seaming operation. In other words, the open end of a can must be flanged, as

mentioned previously, in order to prepare the can for receiving the cover and for subsequently executing the seaming or sealing operations.

The flanging member shown in Figs. 15 and 16 consists of a spider-like preferably die cast structure comprising a central circular band 4' from which extend the radial spoke-like members 41. Each of the radial extensions or spokes 41 is provided with notches such as indicated at 49 and 50, the radius of all of the notches ,4! in all of the spokes 41 being alike and the radius of all of the notches 50 being similar. The flanging member, therefore, carries on its spokes 41 two circularly coextensive grooves or notches separated from each other by the spaces betweenthe individual spokes or extensions 41. The configuration of the individual notches is, however, not circular either at the bottom or at the inner side of the notches or grooves. Referring for example to Fig. 32, which is a transverse section along the line 32-32 of Fig. 16, it will be seen that the bottom of the groove or notch 49 rises from the left to the right. Likewise, the bottom of each of the grooves 49 and II on each of the spokes or extensions 41 rises from the left to the right. Referring new again to Fig. 15 and pointing particularly to the notches or grooves 40 or II, it will also be seen that the inner wall of each of these patches or grooves rises from the left to the right. This shape of the notches is of course repeated in each of the spokes or extensions. The reason for this particular shape of the notches will be apparent when it is considered that these notches are intended for providing a flange on the open end of a can. The corresponding can, e. g., a can that had been previously opened, is placed on the reflanging device in inverted position so as to engage with its open end either the circularly coextensive notches 48 or, in the case of a larger can, the circularly coextensive notches ill. The can is then rotated on the reflanger in order to force the material at the open end outwardly to form the flange required for rescaling.

This condition is indicated in Figs. 13 and 17, respectively. Fig. 13 shows part of one of the spokes or extensions 41; numeral 54 indicates one of the grooves or notches, e. g., the outer notch in the spoke or extension 41; numeral 83 indicates the lowermost edge of the bottom of the notch 50; numeral 59 indicates part of the shell of can. Referring to Fig. 1'1, it will again be seen that the shell 55 of the can engages with its open end the reflanging notch I in the spoke or extension 41 of the flans n device shown in Figs. 15 and 16 and since the shell 55 and also its open end is circular in shape and since the notches or grooves 54 of the various spokes or extensions 41 are circularly coextensive, it will be understood that the open end of the shell 5! of the can engages all of these circularly coextensive notches. Numeral 54 indicates the bottom of the can on the open end of which a flange is to be provided and 51 indicates the bottom seam. Numeral 58 denotes the chuck. The device is, of course, positioned on the tum-table, as indicated in Fig. 9 (noses or legs 48 protruding downwardly from the end of the spokes or extensions 41 engage the turn-table peripherally). Rotation of the crank causes rotation of the chuck and therefore of the can. The open end of the can will thus be rotated clockwise relative to the reflanging device and, due to the progressively rising profile of the inner walls and of the bottom of the flanged notches 49 and ill, respectively, the open end of the can will be forced outwardly with progressively applied pressure on the lever 4 until the flange is completed. One or more such fianging devices may be supplied with the apparatus, each having a plurality of circularly co-extensive grooves of different radius so as to take care of any size of can.

The foregoing description takes care of most of the structural details outside of the operating head by means of which the actual seaming and/or cutting or reflanging operations are accomplished. This operating head and its associated parts will now be described, particularly with reference to Figs. 1 to 11, inclusive.- The head comprises, generally stated, four distinct elements, namely, the driving member or crank. the drive and translating mechanism which is enclosed in a suitable housing, the previously mentioned follower, and the operating lever for moving the head vertically on the standard. The division or distinction between operating parts as stated above, of course. is wholly arbitrary and is merely forconvenience of description. The crank 8I (or other suitable drive) is provided with a bevel gear 88 and is secured to the housing of the drive mechanism by means of the stud screw 88 so that the gear meshes with an internal gear 88 which is directly connected with the rotatable shaft carrying the chuck I8.

The follower I is secured to the housing of the drive mechanism in relatively loose engagement therewith by means of stud screws I28-I21, and both are slidably mounted upon the upper part of the standard and can be moved thereon-vertically as a unit by means of the actuating lever Ill secured to the housing 88 of the drive mechanismand cooperating with the upper shaft portion of the standard on which these parts are mounted. The follower is adapted to execute the previously intimated cam controlled oscillatory or rocking movement in a horizontal plane and carries the seaming and also the cutting members I55-I58 for sealing and/or opening a can. These parts and their structure, function and cooperation will now be explained more in detail.

The handle 88 is suitably secured to the crank 8|. The other end 82 of the crank carries the gear 88 and is rotatably secured by means of the stud screw 88 at the upper part of the housing 88 as indicated at 85. The shaft 81 (to which is secured the chuck I8 as previously described) is journalled in the housing, as shown particularly in Fig. 9. A duct 88 is provided in the housing for lubricating purposes so as to take care of maintaining the working parts in proper operating order. Keyed to the shaft I5 or constituting part thereof is the horizontally disposed gear member 88 which is engaged by the gear 83 of the crank. The shaft I5 can thus be rotated in a direct drive responsive to the actuation of the crank 8I and the chuck attached at that time to the shaft I5 will rotate with it. The ratio of this drive is 1 to'2, i. e.', two revolutions of the crank will be required to rotate the chuck once.

From the bevel gear member 88 depends a circular skirt 88 (Figs. 8-9) which may be. an integral part of the-gear member casting. This skirt.

as is particularly indicated in Fig. 8 is eccentrically disposed and forms the inner wall of a circular space the outer wall of which is formed by the housing 88. -However, the configuration of the outer wall at this point is not circular but constitutes a wave line as is particularly shown in Fig. 8. A number of recesses, notches or chambers are thus formed around the eccentrically disposed skirt 88 of the gear member 88. In the resulting space are disposed a number of flat roller members 85. Neglecting for the moment any other structure or part and also neglecting the function of this arrangement, assuming, however, that the crank is turned and, accordingly, that the gear 85 (and with it the shaft 15) and also the eccentric gear skirt 88 are rotated, it will be apparent that the rollers 85 will be caused to travel in the direction of rotation of the gear and drive skirt 88 within the space 88 (Fig. 8) which is centrally limited by the eccentric skirt 88 and circumferentially by the wave formed or recessed wall of the housing 88. The motion of the rollers will be caused by the eccentric gear skirt 88 and will be regularly impeded by the inwardly projecting portions of the curved recesses or notches in the housing wall 88. In other words, the motion of the rollers will lag behind the rotation of the drive gear. I control and utilize this structural principle for transmitting a definite ratio of speed (1 to 10) to a member I88 (Fig. 9) which is rotatably journalled on the internal shaft I5 adjacent to and below the roller chamber 88. This control member I88 carries on one side a number of projections I8l (Fig. 8) adapted to space the rollers 85 as shown. It will at once be seen that the lagging motion of the rollers as mentioned above will be transmitted to the control member I88 in a governed manner. The ratio that is transmitted to the control member I88 will depend upon the number of rollers and cooperating parts forming this push-roller type of gear or transmission. On the other'side of the driven control member I88 is formed the cam I88, as shown particularly in Fig. 4.

The above parts are all enclosed in the housing 88 which may be cast in one piece, for example, it may be a 'die casting. The bottom portion (cam) is covered by a suitable plate or disc member I85 which is secured to the housing 88 by means of screws I88. In this closure plate is an opening adapted to receive a member (follower drive roller) adapted to utilize the action of the push-roller gear and consequent governed rotation of the cam I88 for the controlled oscillatory or rocking operation of the follower.

The head casting forming the housing 88 is also provided with a bushing extension forming a tubular structure II8 for sliding engagement with the upper shaft portion III of the standard II. Wings such as II2II8 extend from the mounting bushing I I8 for receiving the actuating lever Ill which is movably secured between the wings by means of a pin H5 or the like. The mounting end III of the standard (Fig. 3) is suitably notched as is particularly indicated in Fig. 11 at I28 and a bearing fitting I2I may m disposed in this notched portion. The end I 22 of the lever I I8 which is pivotally mounted between the wings II2--II8' engages the fitted bearing recess on the standard which thus forms a fulcrum for the lever H8. It follows that if the lever Ill is raised, the operating head (and all parts associated therewith including the chuck) will be lifted on the standard and conversely, if the lever is depressed the operating head and its associated parts will be depressed according to the speedand force applied. The lifting and the depressing or lowering motion of the operating head and its associated parts will always be relative to the stationary portions of the device, for. example, it will be relative to the turn-table. The pivot point of the lever H5 is chosen so that the short end of the lever I22 will act within the bearing fitting I2I to perform a locking function in its extreme positions. The lever will snap into the locked position and hold the operating headand' all its parts until released.

I will now describe the follower I25 which is secured to the operating head and forms part thereof and which is actuated in the controlled Figs. 3 and 4. These screws may be locked against inadvertent removal by any suitable means, for example,'by the provision of a wire Ill connecting these screws and twisted into place as shown. The connection ofthe screws Ill-I21 with the wall of the housing ll is particularly illustrated in the partial section shown in Fig. 6. Numeral ll denotes the lower portion of the housing of the operating head. Numeral ill designates the driven control member which on one side is provided with the projections Ill spacing the push-rollers (Fig. 8) and on the other side is provided with the cam Ill (Fig. 4) Numeral ill in Fig. 6 indicates the previously described closure plate at the bottom of the head housing. I in Fig. 6 denotes the casting of the follower and Ill shows the stud screw which extends throughthe slot Ill on the follower thus securing the follower in engagement with the operating head in such a manner as to permit the follower to execute a rocking movement around a common axis or center. This common axis is the upper shaft portion Ill (Fig. 3) of the standard on winch the operating head and the follower are mounted. It will be seen that the follower is provided with a tubular extension Ill for slidable engagement with the standard.

In other words, the follower is secured to and forms a part of the operating head and both are in vertically moving engagement with the standard and may be moved by means of lever ill. The follower, however, is also adapted to execute the controlled oscillatory movement relative to the housing 89 in which are disposed the driving and translating mechanisms. 0

Referring now particularly to Figs. 4 and 9, it will be seen that the follower I25 is provided with a pin I extending into a roller or bushing ill, which in turn projects through the opening or closure plate ill and into the cam curve llll which is provided on the lower side of the driven control member ill. Assuming now that the crank is rotated and viewing the device as shown in Fig. 2, then it will be clear that the chuck III will rotate (direct drive gear llgear ll-shaft IL-chuck ll) while the internal driven member Ill will rotate and thus force the follower roller Ill (Fig. 4) to execute a motion determined by the curve of the cam Ill. Since the follower roller Ill is engaged by the pin I35 (Fig. 9) of the follower I25 and since the follower in turn is in engagement with the operating head in such a manner that it can rock in a horizontal plane relative to the operating head (Fig. 3 and Fig. 6, stud screws Ill-I21). it will beclear that the motion of the follower roller ill will cause the follower to rock or oscillate around the standard I l. The seaming rollers and the manner in which they are adjustably attached to the followerwill be described next.

The follower is provided on opposite sides with rectangular recesses Ill and ill respectively, (Figs. 4 and '7) and in each recess is disposed a roller mounting member such as Ill and Ill,

' respectively, each mounting member being provided with a number of threaded openings indicated collectively'by the numerals I and Ill. These threaded openings have not been numbered in the remaining drawings in order to keep the drawings clear. Each of these mounting members I42 and ill, respectively, may be longitudinally adjusted within the corresponding recess ill or Ill by means of suitable means, for exam ple, the screws Ill and ill, respectively.

On the lower side of the follower are provided the seaming and cutting members Ill and Ill. each member being rotatably secured in place by means of a suitable stud screw such as ill or Ill engaging one of the threaded openings ers on the mounting members Ill and ill. The

smaller size of can will obviously call for placing these operating rollers nearest to the center line oraxisofthecamthatis. sccuringtheminthe threaded openings in members ill and-Ill which are nearest to the center line, and larger cans will correspondingly call for placing these rollers into threaded openings farther away from the axis of the can. The final adjustment may then be obtained by means of the screws ill and I II, respectively, and the proper distance of the rollers may be checked in the neutral or zero operating position of the device by means of the gauge shown in Fig. 5. This gauge and its function will be presently. described in detail.

I wish to call attention next to the operating roller Ill in conjunction with which I have shown a clip I'll while the other roller Ill is secured in place without such provision. The roller ill is a combination of a roller'and of a cutter. With the clip ill inserted as shown in the drawings (the clip engaging the shank of the stud screw ill) the roller Ill will be in its upper position, that is, it will be in a position on a horizontal plane with the oppositely located seaming roller Ill and both rollers will be aligned with the chuck. If the clip is removed, the roller Ill will drop on the, shank of the mounting screw I I! and, in this position will be adapted to execute the cutting operation when it is desireo to open a can. lire seaming and cutting operations will be presently described. The clip I'll and its relation to the shank ill of the mounting screw I1! is particularly shown in the transverse sectional view Fig. 14.

The remaining structural and functional features of the invention will be best understood from the description of the successive operations that take place when the device is used for sealing a can and for opening a can. However, be-

fore entering upon a discussion of these operating steps, I wish to call attention to the previously intimated indicating feature, which is illustrated in Fig. 8, for denoting to the operator certain operating positions of the device which have'to be observed. The housing ll is provided with a cut-away section as shown at ill. On the driven control member m, which is subject r the push drive of the rollers ll, are stamped certain operating positions denoted by predetermined numerals. Through the opening ill in Fig. 8 may be seen, for example, the numeral 0, while the numeral 2 appears at the left thereof. Certain operating positions are thus indicated on the driven control or cam member Ill and will be visible to the operator through the indicating window and guide him in the work of sealing and/or cutting acan.

The remaining features of my invention will appear from the description ofv the operation of the device. It will be assumed first that it is desired to seal a can:-

The individual operating parts are first put into proper position and adjusted according to the size of can to be sealed.' These preliminary operations comprise attaching the device to a suitable support by means of the clamping por- III tion I and the screw I5, or by means of inserting a suitable screw throughthe opening in the part 24 (Figs. 1 and 10) and thus attaching the device to a support; placing the actuating hand lever 4- into the slot between the wings III and III and inserting the lever pin II5 into place (one end of this pin may be roughened or slightly knurled in order to support its attachment); and securing the crank and also the proper chuck in their respective places 0!. attachment. The crank lever should be secured so that it hangs downward at the time when the zero (0) operating position or neutral position appears in the visual indicator. f The turn-table, secured in its journal opening in the standard should spin freely. The sealer is now ready for use. The rollers I55-.I 55 are substantially equidistantfrom the axis of the chuck. The adjustment of the seaming rollers should now be checked as follows: The crank is first turned until the numeral 1 appears in the indicating window 200,-indicating the first operating position of the device. The gauge shown in Fig. 5 is now taken and the large wire thereon, designated by numeral 2III, is inserted between the first operation roller I55 and the chuck. snugly between the roller and the chuck. Fig. 21 corresponds to the operating position which has just been checked. Numeral I55 designates the seaming roller having the annular seaming groove 2I5; numeral I0 designates the chuck; numeral 2I5 is the'lid or cover of the can, and numeral 2" represents the side wall of the can. The crank should then be turned until the numeral 2" appears in the indicating window, putting the apparatus into the second operating position wherein the second seaming roller I55 performs. The smaller wire 2I8 on the gauge shown in Fig. 5 should now flt snugly between the chuck l0 and the annular groove 2I9 on the seaming roller I55. This position of the chuck and seaming roller may be seen in Fig. 23 showing the function of the second seaming roller in operating position 2. A detailed description of this operation will follow later. At this point it is only necessary to observe that the numeral 10 in Fig. 23 indicates the chuck; I55. shows the seaming roller; 2|! is the annular groove on this second operation seaming roller; 2" is again the wall of the can to be sealed; and 2I5 denotes the lid or cover of the can. If the gauge wire does not fit properly in the-first or in the second checking operation, the roller stud such as I51 or I58 should be loosened and the corresponding rectangular mounting member into which the roller stud is screwed (I42 or I" Figs. 4 and 8) should be adjusted radially by means of the corresponding thumb screws I and I5I, respectively. Afterwards the corresponding roller stud is again tightened.

The crank of the device should then be turned to the zero operating position (with the numeral 0" appearing in the indicating window) and the can with the cover properly centered is placed on the turn-table against the chuck, as previously noted. The operating head of the device is then brought down by operating the lever land is pressed down with sufiicient force to the extreme locking position of the lever, as previously noted. The crank is then turned briskly, whereby the can is rotated on the turn-table. The gearing and translating mechanism previously described now comes into action and gradually moves first the seaming roller I against the can, curling and rolling the material of the cover and of the The gauge wire 2III should fitflanged end of the can into a seal, and then the roller I55 is automatically moved against the can in order to flatten out and iron out the seam. In. other words, the first operation roller I55 merely takes care of preliminary seam rolling operations and is then moved away while the. second operation roller I56 rolls the seam tight and completes the sealing of the can. While the successive operations take place, the various operating positions will automatically appear in the indicating window 250 (Fig. '8) and the devices thus operated by. continual turning of the crank until the zero position appears in the indicating window. again (after the second roller I55 has tightened the seam) at which time the can is tightly sealed.

Thesuccessive steps or operation are indicated in the Figures 18 to 23, inclusive. Referring first to Fig. 18, numeral I55 indicates the first operation seaming roller, H5 is the annular seaming groove on this roller, numeral 1' denotes the chuck which is centered upon the cover 2I5 of the can. It will be seen that the chuck is in horizontal alignment with the annular seaming groove on the roller. The reason for this alignment will presently appear. Numeral 2I'l is a part of the side wall of the can. It will be observed that the open end of the can is flanged or turned over, as indicated at 2". A gasket or the like may be provided, as shown at 225. The cover 2l5 lies over the flanged portion 2" of the can with the gasket 225 interposed therebetween. The roller I55 isautomatically advanced toward the edge of the chuck I0 and, since the portions of the can and cover which are to be sealed together are interposed at this point, it is clear that the corresponding can material will be gradually rolled and curled upon itself, by the action of roller I55, as is particularly shown in the successive Figs. 18 to 21, inclusive. In Fig. 19

the rolling operation has-progressed to a point where the periphery of the cover'begins to curl under, taking the gasket along and already exerting an influence upon the flanged end 2" of the can. In Fig. 20, the curling operation has progressed farther. The seaming roller I55 has advanced closer to the edge of the chuck I5 and the seam is progressively curled under. In Fig. 21

the operation of the first operation seaming roller is completed. Attention is now called to the fact that the annular seaming groove 2I5 is closest to the chuck, the lower edge 2I5' of the upper portion of the roller overlying the upper edge 10' of the chuck; The alignment of the chuck and of the seaming roller as shown confines the seam rolling operation within the seaming groove and prevents forcing of the seam over the chuck. It will be clear that this must be prevented in order to avoid trouble in the removal of the sealed can. It will also be seen that the seam is curled under and it merely will need an ironing out and tightening in order to be completed. The roller I55, after-having gone through the position indicated in Fig. 21, is moved away from the chuck 10 while the roller I55 moves toward the chuck, as previously intimated. The rollers execute reciprocal motions, that is, while one roller moves toward the chuck, the other moves away from the chuck and vice versa, due to the action of the previously described control cam which translates the rotary motion of the driven control member into the rocking motion of the follower on which the seaming rollers are mounted.

The flattening operation which is accomplished by the second operation sealing roller I 55 is indicated in Figs. 22 and 23. The numerals in these figures correspond to the numerals in Figs. 18 to 21, inclusive, and denote like parts. It should first be observed that theannular groove 2|! of the second operation seaming roller I56 is not as deep as the annular groove of the seaming roller I55. The purpose of the different configuration of the different seaming rollers is, of course, merely due to their functions, the first being designed to curl under the material preliminarily, and the second being intended to complete the seal by tightening it and ironing it out. Fig. 22 shows the beginning of the tightening seaming operation. The roller I55 moves toward the edge of the chuck I engaging the seam made by the seaming roller I55. At the end of the tightening operation the seaming roller I55 will be in the position relative to the edge of the chuck In which is indicated in Fig. 23. The seam has been ironed out and tightened. The seam is again confined to the seaming groove 2I9 with the edge m of the rim portion of the roller overlying the edge I0 of the chuck. No difficulties can therefore arise in removing the can from the chuck. The seaming operation is completed. The crank of the device is rotated until the zero position appears again in the indicating window, as previously described, and the sealed and completely tightened can is removed from the turn-table after lifting the hand lever I I4 and thereby raising the operating head and all of its associated parts including the chuck from the locked operating position into the release position, thus freeing the can and permitting its withdrawal from the tum-table.

The above described operation of the seaming rollers is indicated in the time diagram shown in Fig. 25. More precisely, this diagram shows how the movement of the cam follower is related to the turns of the crank and the turns of the can respectively. The travel of the cam follower is shown on the abscissa and the turns of the crank and of the cam as ordinates. The transmission of the rotary movement from the crank to the chuck is in a direct ratio depending merely on the ratio of the crank gear 83 relative to the internal gear 86. The ratio between these gears is one to two. Therefore, two turns of the crank will correspond to one turn of the can on the turn-table. The turns of the crank are indi-- cated on the left side of the diagram, while the turns of the can are indicated on the right side of the diagram. The left half of the diagram shows inits upper portion a dotted curve and in its lower portion a full curve denotingthe movement of the second seaming operation roller I56, while the curve on the right side from the center or zero position of the diagram indicates the movement of the first seaming operation roller I55. The resulting curves are symmetrical because the movement of one seaming roller is reflected in a counter movement of the other seaming roller in contrary direction. The abscissa of the diagram denotes the distance which the seaming rollers (cam follower) travel. The curve of the diagram shown in full line beginning at the center line on top and ending at the center line on the bottom includes both roller operations, the operation of the first operation seaming roller I55 being indicated in that portion of the full line which is in the right half of the diagram and the operation of the second seaming operation roller I55 being represented by that portion of the full line which appears in the left side lower part of the diagram. In other words, the full line is the effective operation curve and includes both seaming rollers. The operation is started in the zero position and is finished in the zero position as indicated in the diagram. 7

when this diagram is interpreted, it will be seen that responsive to substantially one turn of the crank the can executes substantially one-half turn while the first operation seaming roller advances toward the chuck by a little over oneeighth of an inch. During the next two turns of the crank (corresponding to about one turn of the can) the seaming roller remains in this position. Then at the beginning of the fourth turn of the crank, the first seaming operation roller steps closer to the chuck and remains in this position again for one full turn of the can (corresponding to two full turns of the crank). The crank has now been turned five times, while the can has rotated two and one-half times. At this point the first seaming operation roller steps closer to the chuck, as indicated in the diagram and has now advanced a little over three-sixteenths of an inch, in which position it remains again for approximately one turn of the can or, in other words, for two turns of the crank, whereupon it again steps closer to the chuck and again remains in this position for a full turn of the can. Approximately at the beginning of the tenth turn of the crank the first operation seaming roller is advanced to its maximum position toward the chuck and remains in this position until the end of the eleventh turn of the crank. Between the eleventh and thirteenth turn of the crank takes place the transfer of the operation from the first seaming operation roller I55 to the second seaming operation roller I55. In other words, the first seaming operation roller moves away from the seam and the second operation roller moves toward the seam. The second seaming operation roller I55 remains then in the position to which it was advanced (at the end of the thirteenth turn of the crank) until thefifteenth turn of the crank is completed, whereupon it steps to its maximum position and remains in that position for approximately four full turns of the crank, applying sufilcient force upon the seam so as to iron it out and to tighten it to its sealed position. I

The last or twentieth turn of the crank will bring both seaming rollers to the zero position and the completely sealed can can be removed as previously described.

Referring again to the diagram and particularly to the points where the effective operation curve is shown to step" or advance into its respective successive operating positions (3rd- 5th7th9th13th and 15th turn of the crank) it will be seen upon examining the cam shown in Fig. 4, that these points appear on the walls of the cam curve in the form of humps denoted, e. g., .by the reference numerals I3I--I35, inclusive. The step by step'operation or advance of the seaming rollers relative to the seam is preferable to asmooth gradual advance because each step can be fully utilized and a more per-' than would be the which holds the roller I55. This roller drops down to the shoulder formed by the head of the mounting pin I 51 and its top edge, which is in the form of a circular knife, is ready for cutting.

Reference is particularly made to Fig. 24 showing the cutting operation and the function of the cutting edge on roller III. to be opened is placed in the zero position of the device on the turn-table and the chuck is centered over it and afterward the operating head is brought down by operating the hand lever Ill as already described. The crank is then rotated and the cutting will take place when the roller I88 moves through its effective operating curve, shown in full line on the left side of the diagram shown in Fig. 25. In other words, the cutting will be accomplished from the thirteenth to the fifteenth turn of the crank. Numeral I" denotes the roller. 2|! is again theseaming and seam tightening groove on the roller and 23. is the top edge which functions as a knife. Since the roller is lowered due to the withdrawal of the clip I10, it is brought into a position below the chuck I0, as indicated in Fig. 24. Iii" is again the cover of the can while 2" denotes the side wall of the can. During the thirteenth to the fifteenth position, the roller I58 advances toward the chuck and the knife edge 230 cuts the can open right under the cover, severing the cover completely from the can. The can is thus shortened approximately by the thickness of the chuck. The cutting positions may be especially indicated on the control member llill so that they are visible through the indicating window. When it is desired to use the device as a cutter only (e. g., for opening a number of cans in succession), this is conveniently done by operating the device only within these cutting positions.

If it is desired to reseal a can, e. g., a can that has been opened as described above, it will be necessary to provide first a flange on the open end of the. can and this is done by the use of the proper reflanging member such as described in connection with Figs. 15 and 16. The flange may be started at the vertical seam of the can wall simply by inserting the corresponding portion into the slot of the screw ll. of the crank handle (Fig. 9) and bending the end of the can wall outwardly at that point. The flanging, orrather to say, the reflanging operation is best illustrated with reference to Fig. 1'! which has already been described before. It may merely be, repeated here that the proper refianging member is placed on the turn-table and the can (with the flange started as noted above) is placed in inverted position on the reflanger with the open end engaging the proper circularly continuous grooves such as 50 or. 49. The bottom 56 of the can, as will be seen in Fig. 1'7, is engaged by the chuck. Rotation of the crank and consequent rotation ofthe can resting with its open end on the reflanging member will force the material of the open end of the can progressively outwardly responsive to downward pressure to the hand lever Ill and the open end of the can will be flanged as shown at the bottom of Fig. 1'1, whereupon the can is removed and is ready for resealing in the previously described manner. The proper spacer or spacers must be inserted in this case'so as to place the turn-table into its proper vertical position to compensate for the loss in length due to cutting, as described before. The rescaled can may again be opened and resealed for a second time in the manner ale ready described.

Figs. 33 and 34 show modifications which may be made in the flanger. In each of these modifications, a stud 249 or 8' is insertable in one of a plurality of holes in a base plate BI, and

The can which is serves to provide a shoulder against which the edge of the can engages in reflanging. Any suit able number of studs may be employed, and they may be adjusted in position to suit the size of can being reiianged, by placing them in suitable holes provided for the purpose. The stud I shaped as. in Fig. 33, may be kept from turning by making the stud shank and hole out of round. The stud 243' may be permitted to turn while the can is being reflanged, if desired.

Other changes and modifications are possible and may be carried out if desired, but it is understood that all such changes are considered within the scope of the invention provided that theymeet the scope and spirit of the appended claims wherein I have defined what is new in the art and rigged to be secured by Letters Patent.

1. a sealing device of the class described comprising, a standard, means on said standard for resiliently supporting a can for sealing, a unitary operating head for effecting said sealing, means for vertically moving said head on said standard, said head comprising, means for exerting determined axial pressure on the cover of said can, driving means for rotating said can, seaming members, and cam means actuated by said driving means for progressively advancing said seaming members in a plurality of determined successive steps laterally against the can and the cover thereon to make a seam thereat and maintaining said seaming members in each position of lateral advance for substantially one turn of said can.

2. A can sealing device comprising, a standard, a support rotatably journaled in said standard for securing a can for sealing, an unitary oper ating head on said standard for effecting the sealing of said can, said head comprising, chuck means for axially engaging said can, lever means operating to move said unitary operating head with respect to said standard for effecting said engagement, driving means for rotating said chuckmeans on said can, and seaming means actuated by said driving means for laterally engaging said can to seal the same.

3. A can sealing device comprising, a standard, a support rotatably journaled in said standard forsecuring a can for sealing, an unitary operating head on said standard for effecting the sealing of said can, said head comprising, chuck means for axially engaging said can, locking lever means operating to move said unitary operating head with respect to said standard for effecting and for securing said engagement, driving means for rotating said chuck means and said can, a plurality of rotatable seaming members, and means actuated by said driving means for successively moving said members laterally into engagement with said can to seal the same.

4. In a can sealing device, a control member arranged to oscillate in a horizontal plane, a re-' cess in said control member, a mounting member disposed in said recess, means for adjusting the position of said moimting member within said recess, a plurality of threaded openings in said mounting member, a shaft arranged for attachment to said openings, and a seaming roller arranged to be rotatably supported on said shaft.

5. In a can sealing device, a support, a journal opening thereon, a turn-table resiliently mounted in said opening and freely rotatable therein, and an operating head mounted on said support and vertically movable thereon relative to said tumtable, said head comprising, driving means for rotating a can placed on said turn-table, a plurality of seaming rollers for sealing said can, and control means for laterally moving said rollers successively into position relative to said can to seal the same.

6. In a can sealing device, a support, a turncam for controlling the position of said seaming roller, and speed reducing drive means between said last mentioned gear and said cam.

7. In a can sealing device, a main support member having an upwardly extending standard, means for clamping said support member onto a table or other base, a turntable resiliently supported on said main support member, a unitary head vertically slidable at the top of said standard, a vertical shaft carried by said head, a chuck carried by the lower end of said shaft, a gear carried at the upper end of said shaft, a handle, a gear connection between said handle and said gear for driving said vertical shaft, a seaming roller, a seaming roller support, adjustable cam means engaging and positioning said seaming roller support, and speed reducing gear means between said first mentioned gear and said cam for driving said cam means.

8. In a can sealing device, a main support member, a turntable carried by said support member, a head vertically slidable on said support, said head comprising a housing, a vertical shaft having its lower end projecting through said housing, a gear carried by said shaft within the housing, a cam member co-axial with said shaft, a rocking seaming roller support carried by the head and engaging said cam member, a seaming roller carried by said seaming roller support, speed reducing drive means between said gear and said cam member, and means for driving said gear.

9. A can sealer as defined in claim 8, wherein said last mentioned means comprises a handle pivoted to said head and carrying a gear meshing with said first mentioned gear.

10. A can sealer as defined in claim 8, wherein said last mentioned means comprises a handle pivoted to said head and carrying a gear meshing with said first mentioned gear, the gear ratio between said gears being 1 to 2, whereby said vertical shaft makes one complete revolution for each two complete revolutions of said handle.

11. A can sealer as defined in claim 8, wherein said cam means includes a cam surface having a number of portions in stepped relation to each other, wherebythe seaming roller advances in a series of steps, each position being maintained for substantially one complete rotation of said vertical shaft.

12. In a can sealing device, a unitary vertical adjustable operating head comprisinga chuck arranged to engage'a can for sealing, a seaming roller support member arranged to oscillate in a horizontal plane, a seaming roller rotatably secured to said support member, cam means for .can for sealing said can, and gear means for operating said cam, said gear means including reduction gear mechanism comprising an eccentrically disposed driving member, a plurality of rollers circumferentially disposed around said driving member, and a driven member carrying a plurality of projections disposed intermediate of said roller and spacing the same, said gear means rotating said chuck and operating said cam means, and driving means for actuating said gear means.

13. In a can sealing and opening device of the class described, a circular operating member provided with a knife edge, disposed so as to engage near the top of a can to remove the top therefrom, and a seaming groove, a shaft for rotatably supporting said operating member, and means on said shaft for adjusting the position of said operating member thereon whereby it may function to remove the cover from a can or function as a seaming member depending upon its vertical position on the shaft.

14. In a can sealing device, a support, a joura turntable resiliently to said turntable, said head comprising driving means for rotating a can placed on said turntable, a plurality of seaming rollers for sealing said can operating seriatim to engage a can and seal the same in successive operations, and control means for laterally moving said rollers successively into position relative to said can to seal the same, said control means including a rotatable cam actuated by said driving means, and means for visually indicating successive operating positions of said seaming rollers.

15. A can sealing device comprising a standard, a support rotatably journaled in said standard for securing a can for sealing, an unitary operating head on said standard for effecting the sealing of said can, and lever means pivotally secured in said head and cooperating with said standard for vertically moving said head relative to said support and the can thereon, said operating head including a rotating chuck for engaging a can cover whereby to rotate the cover and can, and seaming roller means adapted for engagement against the cover and can while the latter are rotated by said chuck whereby to seal the cover on the can.

16. In a can sealing device, a unitary operat- I ing head comprising in combination a chuck arrangedto engage a can for sealing, driving means for rotating said chuck, a seaming roller supporting member arranged to oscillate in a horizontal plane, a seaming roller rotatably secured to said supporting member, cam control means actuated by said driving means for horizontally moving said supporting member to move said seaming roller relative to said cam engaged by said chuck, a frame, a can support, and means including a lever for vertically adjusting the entire unitary operating head assembly on said frame and in relation to said can support.

- CLIFFORD E. IVES. 

